Shape‐Dependent Properties of Silver Nanocrystals as Electrocatalysts toward Glucose Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

AbstractAg nanoprisms (mean height 136 nm) and Ag nanodisks (mean diameter 41 nm) that are dominated by (111) planes and Ag nanocubes (mean edge length 38 nm) enclosed by (100) planes were prepared and used as catalysts for the D‐glucose oxidation reaction (GOR). A systematic study of the specific activities of these three Ag catalysts, in terms of the electrochemical real surface area (ERSA), was performed to assess their ability to electrocatalyze glucose oxidation. By measuring current per ERSA for glucose oxidation, an order of nanoprisms > nanocubes > nanodisks was obtained for the activity of catalysis of the intermediate on the Ag2O on their surfaces, ascribed to diffusion‐controlled processes. Among these catalysts, the nanoprisms were more sensible to produce Ag2O and AgO after GOR. The results of cyclic tests indicated a higher D‐glucose‐tolerance of the nanoprisms and nanodisks. In addition, the amperometric analyses determined sensitivities of 14 mA mM−1 cm−2, 9.9 mA mM−1 cm−2, and 5.5 mA mM−1 cm−2 for the nanoprisms, nanocubes, and nanodisks, respectively. The comparison based on the same ERSA showed that the nanoprisms had better activity and sensitivity.